Everton To Rival Paris Saint-Germain For This Italian Midfielder: What Will He Bring To Goodison Park?

Lorenzo Pellegrini of Italy looks on during a Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 1, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Everton are set to rival Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of AS Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini this summer. Schira has also revealed that the two clubs are prepared to match the Italian’s exit clause of €30m (in two instalments of €15m).

Pellegrini’s Impressive Form At The Italian Capital This Season

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic season in the Serie A after putting in a series of eye-catching displays at the Stadio Olimpico so far. He has netted three goals and provided 11 assists in 24 matches for Paulo Fonseca’s side this term in all competitions which highlight his excellent creative prowess in the opposition half.

Pellegrini has averaged 1.1 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.6 clearances, 2.7 shots, 2.9 key passes and 1.3 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). His stats prove his growing influence for AS Roma at both ends of the field.

The Roma-born talent has also secured 12 senior caps for the Italian national team, scoring one goal for his country in the process. As long as he can continue to perform at a high level in the upcoming campaign, he should have a decent shot of securing a place in Roberto Mancini’s squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals after the competition’s postponement due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Lorenzo Pellegrini of Italy in action during an Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 5, 2019, in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

What Will The Italian Playmaker Bring To Merseyside?

Pellegrini showcases decent pace and excellent ball-control that allow him to make some driving runs with the ball in the opposition half. He is usually quite accurate with his ball-distribution after completing 81.2% of his attempted passes in the Serie A this season (stats via whoscored). The Italian midfield ace has the vision to pick out a decisive pass in the final third which explains how he has bagged 11 assists for AS Roma this term.

Recruiting a player of Pellegrini’s quality and potential will bring some much-needed creativity to Goodison Park. The likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Fabian Delph have all flattered to deceive as far as creating goal-scoring opportunities are concerned going forward this season. So Carlo Ancelotti is in dire need of recruiting a promising young playmaker like Pellegrini before the start of the new campaign. The Italian will be an upgrade over any of Ancelotti’s current midfield options at Merseyside.

Pellegrini can be a real game-changer and could prove to be an excellent fit for Everton in the long-run. However, there are some question marks over his ability to cope with the physical nature of English football. If Pellegrini can pass that test, then he should have no trouble adjusting to Ancelotti’s playing style at the north-west of England. The Roma star will not only add a lot of assists to Everton’s midfield but also enhance the overall depth of their squad. Therefore, it makes sense for the Merseysiders to consider orchestrating a move to sign him later this summer.

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.

Follow Our Tweets On Twitter

About

The 4th Official is a football blog which focuses on the big stories currently circulating in the world of football.The aim of the site is to provide an unbiased view from a supporters viewpoint on everything football.